Still, Christie, who lives in Mendham, is a millionaire, thanks to some astute investments several years ago. "My wife and I pay about $38,000 in property taxes per year," said Christie, who says he will cut property taxes, though admitting there is "no silver bullet."

Then there's Independent Chris Daggett. He spent years in both the state and federal bureaucracy, rising to Regional Administrator for the EPA.

Now, he lives in wealthy Basking Ridge, but, he said, "My wife and I pay about $18,000 a year on our property taxes and yes it's a burden."

Daggett, who one poll says is now at 20 percent, is proposing to expand the sales tax to services such as attorney fees, and using the money to lower property taxes.

Christie claims it's actually a hidden $4 billion tax hike, and says he would find savings in state spending to lower both income and property taxes.

Both Daggett and Corzine say Christie's number don't add up, and Corzine says he will keep pushing for local governments to share services and reduce costs.

Polls say Corzine and Christie are running neck and neck, the difference between them being within the statistical margin of error.